Evaluation of wind power potential in Baburband (Pakistan) using Weibull distribution function

Abstract

Time series wind speed data for Baburband (Pakistan) measured in each 10-min interval at five different mast heights viz. 81.5m, 80m, 60m, 30m and 10m is available for the period May 2008 to April 2011. Calculations are performed separately for each individual year and for the combined three years period on all heights except at 10m. Weibull Distribution (WD) function is used to determine wind power potential for the investigated site and the distribution parameters shape (k) and scale (c) are estimated by using four statistical methods viz. Maximum Likelihood Method (MLM), Method of Moments (MoM), Energy Pattern Factor Method (EPFM) and Power Density Method (PDM). Weibull mean velocity (Vm) and Weibull Power Density (WPD) calculated for the heights 81.5–30m range from 6.78 to 4.89m/s and 309.10W/m2 to 138.45W/m2.R2 and RMSE tests having values of ca. (the abbreviation for circa meaning approximately) 0.992 and 10−4 respectively, show reliability of the fitted distribution function and accuracy of the estimation methods. Furthermore, the tests results also indicate that MoM and PDM are more reliable in estimating WD parameters. The study revealed that a wind power potential of ca. 278W/m2 is available at Baburband site, obtained after a deduction of 10% in maximum estimated value.